Melasma is a very common and harmless skin condition in which dark patches appear on the face (forehead, temple & cheeks)causing physical disfigurement and emotional distress. It is due to excessive pigment (melanin) accumulated in the skin. The dark patches usually have defined edges and are symmetrical (similar on both sides of the face). When it occurs during pregnancy, it is often referred to as “chloasma” or the “mask of pregnancy.”
Melasma can be categorized as “epidermal” or “dermal”, or mixed.
Epidermal melasma
means the pigment (melanin) is in the more superficial layers of the skin called the epidermis.
Dermal melasma
means that the pigment is in the deeper layers of the skin. This distinction is important because epidermal melasma responds more quickly to treatment.
Although melasma can occur in men, it is most common in women, especially in women of Asian or Hispanic ancestry. If your relatives had melasma, you are also at greater risk of developing melasma
Women are also at greater risks of developing melasma if they take birth control pills, take hormone replacement therapy or are pregnant
Sunlight can worsenmelasma. People at risk of developing melasma will notice the patches becoming darker following exposure to sunlight.
Treatment results vary greatly among individuals. Your recommended treatment will depend largely on your type of melasma, dermal or epidermal.
Some people with epidermal melasma experience rapid improvement within four to eight weeks of starting treatment, while others may find that improvement takes many months.
It usually takes time to respond to the treatment.
Feel Free Contact The Skin for Consultation.
